BBC Three, Worldwide co-order Smart series

BBC Three and its stablemate BBC Worldwide have co-commissioned a series in which comedian Russell Kane uses only a smartphone to survive.

Stupid Man, Smart Phone will see the comic joined each week by a different online star, both of whom are convinced they can survive being dropped in harsh terrains such as the Arctic Circle and arid African plans with just a smartphone for help.

BBC Worldwide has also commissioned 10x60mins driving series MotorHeads from October Films. Denman Rooke and Gareth Cornick executive produce the show, which debuts next year.

The BBC’s commercial arm will play the shows on its international BBC Brit channels, and also hold international distribution rights.

Objective’s new Objective Factual Entertainment arm and Kalel Productions are coproducing Stupid Man. BBC Three goes online-only early next year, and the show will play there.

It is unclear if it will also be on linear TV, but the BBC has previously said all BBC Three shows scheduled to debut after the online move will air on BBC One or BBC Two.

“Stupid Man, Smart Phone joins a raft of other innovative and distinctive new shows on BBC Three,” said BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh. “BBC Three is and always will be the home of original British comedy.”

“Mashing the comedy and survival genres feels really different, and marrying a traditional TV comedian with different social media superstars every week in completely diverse, dangerous environments is a new concept, too,” said Kalel CEO Nick Parnes. “We’re breaking new ground over here. I hope it works and their phone brings them home safely.”

BBC Brit’s commissioning editor, Hannah Demidowicz will executive produce the series, with BBC Entertainment’s commissioning editor, Ed Sleeman, and Parnes.

Stupid Man and MotorHeads mark the first original commissions for BBC Brit in 18 months.